Another week, another failed relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. This time around, it was 35-year-old pitcher Robert Stock.
Stock was added to the major league roster before game one of the weekend series against the New York Yankees to provide extra relief help. He made one appearance on Sunday, throwing 30 pitches and retiring only two of the six batters he faced. This is the second time Stock has been designated for assignment by the team this year after being called up as an extra bullpen arm.
The #RedSox today selected RHP Brian Van Belle to the active Major League roster from Triple-A Worcester. He will wear number 77. To make room, Boston designated RHP Robert Stock for assignment.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 9, 2025
Stock’s struggles are well documented. Before this season, Stock failed to crack a major league roster for 4 seasons. During his two stints with the Sox, he has posted a 10.13 ERA in 2.2 innings, with command and contact issues dominating his outings. From Baseball Savant, 10 of his 59 pitches thrown have been hit hard (exit velocity of 95 mph or greater), translating to a 50% hard-hit rate. When hitters aren’t making solid contact, they’re still getting on base via a walk 26.7% of the time.
The Red Sox need to add some quality arms to the bullpen, and the team hopes that 28-year-old right-hander Brian Van Belle can be just that. This season has been a career season for Van Belle, and he has been a bright spot in Triple-A Worcester. In 12 games (including 8 starts) with the Worcester Red Sox, he has a 5-1 record with a 2.29 ERA. His 41 strikeouts compared to 7 walks show solid command and swing-and-miss ability.
If Van Belle can continue his red-hot start to the season at the next level, he may offer the under-performing Red Sox much-needed stability and a potential long-term bullpen piece. With the bullpen continuing to underwhelm, there will be opportunities, and Van Belle could be ready to seize his.